Reid’s first single from her album ‘’Preservation’’, "Richard", saw her nominated for the APRA Silver Scroll award in 2017, regarded as New Zealand’s most important songwriting award. Reid herself was nominated for Best Solo Artist, Breakthrough Artist of the Year and Best Alternative Artist.
Call the days
Nadia Reid Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
She said baby don't you come under.
I am so far from my home,
that Heaven can't hear my call.
But I am digging my own grave.
I am chasing shit beneath the haze.
I was so sure that he would stay,
and would love me anyway.
I would call the days as they were none.
And in the guilt that I have found,
You know the one that sticks around.
I was so sure that i would go,
that I'd already sunk the boat.
And I sought out my winter coat.
I cut the sleeves off before I'd known.
I was so sure that I would feel,
a mark of guilt, the pain of you.
and I was happy on my own,
I would call the days as they were known.
And in the guilt that I have found,
you know the one that sticks around.
I was so sure that he would stay,
and would love me anyway.
The lyrics to Nadia Reid's song "Call the days" speaks about feeling lost and alone, but also about hoping for love and acceptance. It begins with a reference to a mother's cautionary words, warning against something or someone that could be dangerous or negative. The following lines suggest the feeling of being far away from home, both physically and emotionally, and the desperation of calling out for help to no avail. Despite knowing that chasing after something might lead to a negative outcome, the singer still feels compelled to do so, admitting to digging their own grave.
The reference to a lover who was thought to stay, even after the singer had given up on the relationship, shows hope and vulnerability. They were happy on their own, but still hoped for love and connection. The guilt that the singer feels is likely tied to insecurities and fears of inadequacy. They worry that they have done something wrong or that they are not good enough for someone else. Despite their worries, the singer still longs for a connection with someone they love and care about.
Overall, the lyrics of "Call the days" portray a sense of longing, desperation, and hope. The singer feels lost and alone, yet still holds onto the idea of love and connection. The guilt and fear they feel make them question themselves and their worth, but they don't give up on the possibility of finding happiness.
Line by Line Meaning
I have heard a mother's tongue.
I have listened to a mother's advice.
She said baby don't you come under.
She warned me not to get caught up in trouble.
I am so far from my home,
that Heaven can't hear my call.
I am feeling lost and helpless, with no one to turn to for help.
But I am digging my own grave.
I am making choices that will lead to my own downfall.
I am chasing shit beneath the haze.
I am pursuing things that are not worth my time and effort.
I was so sure that he would stay,
and would love me anyway.
I was convinced that a certain person would always be there for me, regardless of my flaws.
I was happy on my own.
I would call the days as they were none.
I used to enjoy my own company and didn't feel the need for a romantic partner. I was content with living day by day.
And in the guilt that I have found,
You know the one that sticks around.
I am burdened by a sense of regret that lingers in my mind.
I was so sure that i would go,
that I'd already sunk the boat.
I was certain of my own ability to leave a situation, even before I had secured a way out. I felt like I had burned bridges and there was no turning back.
And I sought out my winter coat.
I cut the sleeves off before I'd known.
In an effort to prepare for the future, I made a decision that I regretted later. I altered my coat prematurely, instead of waiting to see how my needs would change.
I was so sure that I would feel,
a mark of guilt, the pain of you.
I believed that if I made a mistake, I would be wracked with guilt and feel pain caused by someone else’s disappointment in me.
and I was happy on my own,
I would call the days as they were known.
Despite my mistakes and regrets, I was still content with my own company and living in the present moment.
And in the guilt that I have found,
you know the one that sticks around.
Once again, I am haunted by the sense of regret that lingers long after the mistake has been made.
I was so sure that he would stay,
and would love me anyway.
I held onto the hope that the person who once loved me would still stay committed to me, even in the face of my faults and regrets.
Contributed by Ethan F. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@NadiaReid
+Emily Colay
9.
Call the days 03:32
I have heard the mother's tongue
She said, baby
don’t you come undone
I am so far
from my home
Heaven would
not hear my call
I am digging my
own grave
Chasing shit beneath
the haze
I was so sure
that he would stay
And would love
me anyway
I was happy on
my own
I would call
the days as they were known
In the guilt
that I have I found
You know the
one that sticks around
I was so sure
that I would go
That I’d already
sunk the boat
I threw out my
winter coat
I cut the
sleeves off all I’d known
I was so sure
that he would stay
And would love
me anyway
I was happy on
my own
I would call
the days as they were known
In the guilt
that I have I found
You know the
one that sticks around
@ssocialdrummer
[Verse 1]
I have heard the mother's tongue
She said, "Baby, don't you come undone"
I am so far from my home
That heaven would not hear my call
[Verse 2]
And I am digging my own grave
I am chasing shit beneath the haze
I was so sure that he would stay
And would love me anyway
[Chorus]
I was happy on my own
I would call the days as they were known
And in the guilt that I have found
You know the one that sticks around
[Post-Chorus]
I was so sure that I would go
That I'd already sunk the boat
[Verse 3]
And I sought out my winter coat
I cut the sleeves off before I'd known
I was so sure that I would feel
A mark of guilt, the pain of you
[Chorus]
And I was happy on my own
I would call the days as they were known
And in the guilt that I had found
You know the one that sticks around
[Post-Chorus]
I was so sure that he would stay
And would love me anyway
@ollieollie7569
This song carried me through a deep pain and all the way through it to the other side. It was the winter of 2019 and I was so far from my home....
It's been years since I've listened to it, because it carries such visceral memories that my heart wasn't ready to feel them until now
Thank you from the bottom of that heart that has now healed
@jackhester3672
My wife and I drove across New Zealand in our camper with this song playing many times, she was pregnant at the time. First time seeing the video for this song and it brings back many happy memories of our time in New Zealand.
@KateButson
Your voice is like runny honey on vogels toast. So rich, warm and comforting. I'm so glad I found you and your music. From one Dunedinite, to another x
@earlyangelo5704
"Autumn acoustic" playlist on spotify . The best
@PatrickAlanMcL
Kissed with the genius of Joni Mitchell. Wonderful
@gloriaday3419
Nadia's unique style, and sorting through the loss from being unlucky in love is a delight. All those mentors would be proud of the sound formed.
@NZOnAirMusic
Beautiful Nadia! Love this gorgeous song. Great use of our stunning scenery...
@emilycolay9866
I heard this on NPR's Dinner Party Download last night, and cannot fully express how indelibly touched I was.... wishing someone would post lyrics <3
@NadiaReid
+Emily Colay
9.
Call the days 03:32
I have heard the mother's tongue
She said, baby
don’t you come undone
I am so far
from my home
Heaven would
not hear my call
I am digging my
own grave
Chasing shit beneath
the haze
I was so sure
that he would stay
And would love
me anyway
I was happy on
my own
I would call
the days as they were known
In the guilt
that I have I found
You know the
one that sticks around
I was so sure
that I would go
That I’d already
sunk the boat
I threw out my
winter coat
I cut the
sleeves off all I’d known
I was so sure
that he would stay
And would love
me anyway
I was happy on
my own
I would call
the days as they were known
In the guilt
that I have I found
You know the
one that sticks around
@emilycolay9866
+Nadia Reid
I was so close... but so honored you took the time to send these lyrics. As a singer/songwriter, choir conductor, and vocal coach... I can assure you this video will be played often for myself, and my students.... so much here to inspire others with... thank you Nadia <3